masters degree (MPhil)

hello everyone,

I'm in my last year of undegraduate studies in IT and I'm interested in applying for a masters degree. I'd really like if I can pursue a research-based degree - something like MPhil. My results so far are not bad with an average somewhere round 68 which is a high 2:1. How do you think my chances are in obtaining a place?

Also, what is the application process like? Am I required to sit for an interview? Any admissions exams? Am I required to submit some sort of a research proposal?

I'd also like if anyone with experience would send some feedback.

Thank you.

Reply 1

The Boosh

with an average like that you really shouldnt have difficulties getting on a postgrad course. what are you thinking of studying exactly and where?

Reply 2

username36063

Have you considered an MRes, thats a research based degree.

you can get on a Masters with a 2:2 so you have very good chance of getting on.

Applications: well you apply seperately to each uni and sometimes masters require interviews. Not usually do you have an exam. Sometimes you have to submit your undergrad dissertation.

The thing is that most unis have different types of application processes, you should contact the unis direct.

Reply 3

Eifel

Well I'm particularly interested in applying for a MPhil degree (not MSc). I don't know if you have noticed but MPhil programmes aren't listed explicitly in prospectuses (i.e. there is no strict programme) but i think you should agree this with the potential tutor/supervisor..
I was wondering if anyone had any experience in applying for an MPhil degree? Because it should be research-based i don't know whether they require some sort of a research proposal or somethin'?

btw, I'm interested in studying something with networking or IT security...

I'm insterested to applying in "mainstream" universities like Imperial, UCL, King's College, Manchester, Warwick, Sheffield, Royal Holloway and maybe give it a shot at Cambridge..

Reply 4

The Boosh

what do you mean by mainstream?

popular

Why an MPhil rather than an MRes?

Generally speaking an MRes takes 1 year and an MPhil two or so. MRes's are great preparation for further research as they give you a chance to develop ideas and teach you such very useful things as how to write a research proposal.

Also bear in mind that at many universities an MPhil is what you enrol for when you're aiming for a PhD: after 1-2 years you sit through an upgrade to become known as a PhD student (this is the case at UCL where I study: generally those you end up with an MPhil there have failed the upgrade or had to shorten their course because of personal problems)

It's quite common for universities to expect you to already have an masters before you can enrol for an MPhil / PhD.

If you enrol for an MPhil you will certainly need to write a research proposal: you can discuss any ideas you have with an academic at the department that you wish to study in (who may well become your supervisor): you will need to research carefully the specialisms of each department and academic.

What it basically comes down to is why exactly do you want to get a Masters?

Reply 7

lorrybeep

yes MPhil application is exactly the same with a PhD one. Usually the title is Mphil/PhD. and to do a PhD you need to have at least a master's degree. means you need to have a Mres or MSc.

but I ve known people do PhD directly after their degrees. Usually they graduate with a 1st class and have shown that they will almost without a doubt sail through their masters.

Reply 8

Eifel

made a few contacts myself, turns out that some institutions don't accept MPhil applications but only PhD and, as you've said, students failing to obtain a PhD may be eligible for an MPhil..

however, in both cases, they do require research proposal? I have no idea what's that.. anyone can send an example maybe?